The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a case against NewsClick for alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. Searches are currently underway at two locations in Delhi, specifically the office and the residence of Prabir Purkayastha, the founder of NewsClick.
This development follows the recent arrest of Prabir Purkayastha and NewsClick’s HR head, Amit Chakravarty, who were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in spreading pro-China propaganda, in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Notably, their arrest led to the sealing of the NewsClick office on October 3.
The FIR by Delhi Police outlines that a substantial amount of funds originated from China with the intention of undermining India’s sovereignty and inciting disaffection against the country. It also suggests that Prabir Purkayastha collaborated with a group called the People’s Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) to interfere with the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
On October 3, raids were conducted at 88 locations in Delhi and seven in other states, targeting the individuals named in the FIR as well as those identified during data analysis. This resulted in the seizure of approximately 300 electronic devices from NewsClick’s offices and the homes of journalists who were under investigation. Subsequently, 46 individuals, including nine female journalists, were questioned by the Special Cell in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
NewsClick has issued a statement asserting that the actions taken against the portal are a clear attempt to suppress free and independent press in India. The statement also emphasizes that NewsClick has neither received funding nor instructions from China or Chinese entities and has not promoted or endorsed violence, secession, or any illegal activities in any way. They encourage reviewing their freely available online content to verify the accuracy of their claims.
The New York Times alleged that NewsClick got funds from a network linked to Chinese Communist Party linked US millionaire Neville Roy Singham, to promote Chinese propaganda.
ED probe found that NewsClick got ₹38.05 crore in foreign funds over 3 years which was distributed to controversial journalists like Gautam Navlakha and associates of Teesta Setalvad.
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